The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

Max Do, known as MaxMilesPoints, is a prominent travel influencer specializing in points and miles. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey from a 9-to-5 job to becoming a full-time creator, driven by a $10,000 hotel deal. They discuss the explosive growth of travel influencers, both the perks and drawbacks, and analyze recent changes in premium credit card offerings from American Express and Chase. Plus, Max shares insights on exciting new travel lounges and tips for navigating travel with kids.

Join Jon Shallbetter, Chief Flight Deal Analyst and the mastermind behind finding unbeatable flight deals. He shares his obsession with Google Flights, revealing tips for mastering the platform. Jon recounts his favorite flight deal for just $62 and hilariously discusses his worst travel mishap featuring a misguided ostrich pillow. Expect laughs as he addresses rumors about draining Emirates’ champagne supply and treats listeners to an impressive Admiral Ackbar impression. Dive into the secrets of exceptional travel without breaking the bank!

The show dives into the shocking practice where major U.S. airlines charged solo travelers higher fares, only to reverse course after consumer backlash. It highlights a personal investigation into this pricing discrimination and includes a humorous take on Southwest's failed baggage fee rollout. The hosts also uncover treasure in rare Etihad award space while discussing the ongoing dilemmas of rising cancellation fees and the thrill of snagging cheap flight deals. Finally, they share their thoughts on sleazy airline tactics that frustrate travelers.

Explore how to book dream trips using points and miles with insights from Kyle's adventure to England and Scotland. Discover tips for securing a business class seat for just 29,000 points and unique hotel stays, including a castle in Scotland. From Phoenix's exciting new nonstop flight to Asia to the bittersweet changes in Southwest Airlines, the hosts discuss the evolution of travel. Plus, don't miss Gunnar's hilarious recount of British beer-drinking rules during a Chelsea match!

This week, the hosts dive into the astonishing drop in roundtrip flights to Europe, with fares plummeting below $500. They discuss handy strategies for maximizing travel rewards and the sneaky rebranding of Delta's Basic Economy fare, which has left many confused. Listeners are encouraged to jump on cheap flights to Italy and Greece before they vanish. Plus, there's a warning about soaring Hilton Honors redemption rates and a look at how travelers can navigate this bizarre era of budget travel.

Delve into the world of travel frustrations, from security line mishaps to deboarding blunders. Discover why one host is not a fan of 'cents per mile' and hear about his surreal journey to Antarctica. Uncover amazing flight deals to Europe and tackle the challenges of booking Emirates First Class. The hosts share personal experiences and memorable travel tales, mixing humor with helpful insights on navigating modern air travel. Join them in reflecting on the evolution of travel in today’s world.

Join the hosts as they dive into Kyle Potter's quirky journey from a failed Uber driver to a travel expert. Hear tales from his punk band days and his insights on state politics. Discover enticing airline transfer bonuses, including a sneaky one from Qantas. They also tackle a listener's question about transferring points to Emirates, blending humor with strategy. Plus, enjoy tips for overcoming jet lag and the nostalgic charm of team retreats and adventures with his corgi. It's a delightful mix of travel, music, and personal anecdotes!

Discover the thrill of a unique frequent flyer program draft! The hosts pick their top airline loyalty programs, revealing surprising choices and strategic insights. Dive into a fantastic Delta SkyMiles sale to Asia and learn if Tulum has lost its charm. Get tips for navigating travel to the 2026 Winter Olympics and strategies for booking flights during busy school seasons. Plus, find out the best social media accounts to follow for insider travel tips. Join the fun and help decide the winner of the fantasy draft!

Gunnar and Kyle pull out their binoculars to be your safari guides in this week’s episode. After going on their own safaris with the help of points and miles, they talk through their trips, what they loved (spoiler alert: pretty much everything), what they learned, and what they’d do differently next time. Plus, the guys gush about a new feature Google Flights is testing, wonder aloud about when the Chase Sapphire's big bonus will end, and get (rightfully) called out by a listener for a bad take on a previous episode.Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Gunnar finally tells the “Gunnar Olson Olson Olson” story03:50 - Why we’re so psyched about Google Flights’ fancy new feature09:35 - How long will the Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K Bonus Offer last?12:55 - Gunnar recaps his trip to Zanzibar and the Masai Mara safari in Kenya34:00 - A word from our sponsor (us … and our free Extra Mile Newsletter for points and miles aficionados) 35:00 - Kyle puts on his safari hat and talks about his own trip to the South African bush25:15 - More about elephants!55:02 - A listener calls Gunnar & Kyle out of touch about their Hyatt free night certificates take58:10 - Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot…and Gunnar eats some delicious crow about HiltonProduced by Gunnar Olson & Jackson NewmanEdited by David StruttShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky

Travel demand is cooling, but that means incredible flight deals are heating up! The hosts reveal a stunning mistake fare and discuss the implications of new 'ultrabasics' into the airline industry. Real ID enforcement may be closer than we think, so travelers need to be prepared. Summer travel looks promising with prices dropping, including domestic flights under $100! They celebrate a creative listener with the 'Listener of the Week' award, adding a fun twist to the conversation about travel trends.